FASHTALKS WITH BOCA MMXII

Tell us the story behind how your brand came to life. What inspired its creation?

BOCA was born in 2012, a year that, according to the Mayan calendar, marked the beginning of a new era. That idea of renewal became the foundation of the brand.

From the beginning, BOCA was created to bring together two worlds: the elegance of Italian design and the richness of Mexican craftsmanship. The goal was to create products that feel timeless, simple, and meaningful pieces that naturally become part of people’s lives and journeys.

How did you choose your brand name, and what does it represent?

BOCA is the name of my hometown, a small village of around 1,500 people in the north of Italy, in the Piemonte region, near Lake Orta and Lake Maggiore.

The second part of the name, MMXII, represents the year 2012 in Roman numerals, the year I moved from Italy to Mexico and created the brand.

Together, the name reflects both origin and transformation: where the story began, and where a new chapter started.

"⁠The inspiration has always come from observing objects, materials, and the way people interact with them. "

What core values guide your brand, and how do they show up in your designs?

The brand is guided by simplicity, craftsmanship, and authenticity.

These values are reflected in clean designs, thoughtful details and the use of high-quality materials. Every piece is made to feel effortless but intentional, nothing excessive, everything considered.

What inspired you to become a designer, and how has that influence evolved?

The inspiration has always come from observing objects, materials, and the way people interact with them. Over time, that curiosity evolved into a desire to create objects that are not only functional but also carry a story. Today, the focus is on creating pieces that people connect with and keep over time.

Walk us through your creative process from concept to finished piece.

The process usually starts with a simple idea, often inspired by travel, materials, or a specific lifestyle need.

From there, it evolves through sketches, material selection, and constant refinement. The final step happens in collaboration with artisans, where the product takes its final form through craftsmanship.

What sets your brand apart in today’s fashion landscape?

What makes BOCA unique is the combination of Italian design and Mexican craftsmanship.

It’s not just about aesthetics, it’s about the process behind each product. This blend creates pieces that feel both refined and authentic, with a strong sense of identity.

What was your first experience in the fashion industry, and how did it shape you?

The early stages were very hands-on learning by doing, understanding materials, and working closely with production.

That experience shaped a deep respect for craftsmanship and reinforced the importance of quality and detail in every product.

What has been your biggest challenge so far, and what did it teach you?

One of the biggest challenges has been building a brand across different cultures and markets.

Working with artisans in Mexico has also not always been easy. It took time to find skilled and reliable people with whom we could work consistently. Over time, we have built strong relationships based on trust, which now allow us to achieve results that meet the level of quality we are looking for.

These experiences have reinforced the importance of patience, consistency, and staying true to the brand’s standards while growing.

What accomplishment are you most proud of to date?

Building a brand that people genuinely connect with.

Seeing BOCA products become part of people’s daily lives and travels is the most meaningful achievement.

"From the beginning, BOCA was created to bring together two worlds: the elegance of Italian design and the richness of Mexican craftsmanship. The goal was to create products that feel timeless, simple, and meaningful pieces that naturally become part of people’s lives and journeys."

How do you connect with your customers and use their feedback?

The connection is very direct, through stores, events, and personal interactions.

Feedback is essential and often influences decisions, from product improvements to new ideas. It’s an ongoing dialogue.

Outside of your brand, what are you most passionate about?

Travel, design, and discovering new places.

I also really enjoy spending time with family and friends, often sharing ideas, talking about new projects, and dreaming about future adventures.

These experiences constantly inspire me and shape the way I see the world, naturally influencing the brand and the ideas behind each new creation.

What excites you most about the future of your brand?

The possibility to continue evolving while staying true to the essence of BOCA.

Expanding the brand, exploring new products, and reaching new places while keeping the same focus on design, craftsmanship, and lifestyle.

We are also very happy to have recently opened our first mono-brand store in Mexico City, and we look forward to opening more stores in the near future. We would also love to open a store in the United States.